Talkin' 'bout my best friend: the humanization of pets drives growth in premium categories.(pet food & supplies)

Private Label Buyer, July, 2005 by Cosgrove, Joanna

Pets aren't just the faithful companions that we come home to every night. In today's marketplace, pets are hip. Among the trendy set, pets are akin to living, breathing fashion accessories. North American consumers have grown accustomed to seeing images of celebrities unabashedly doting on their pets with jeweled collars, leads, and uber-expensive designer carriers.

And although the average consumer isn't likely to invest in a Burberry slicker and booties for their beloved Chihuahua, there has been a definite trickle-down effect. The bottom line is Americans are spending more to ...